Mataram Mayor Urges Fathers to Take Children to School on First Day

Wali Kota Mataram, Mohan Roliskana, has asked parents in his area, especially fathers, to actively build stronger emotional bonds with their children. One way this can be achieved is by taking children to and from school on the first day.

According to Mohan, the role of fathers in parenting is currently under the spotlight. The responsibility of childcare has often been predominantly shouldered by wives, so this view needs to be broadened to encourage fathers to take an active role.

“(It is) mandatory to be present. So that not all childcare responsibilities are given to the mother, but the father must also be present. Thus, the bond between father and child becomes stronger,” Mohan said during an interview on Monday (29/6/2026).

Beyond building emotional closeness, a father’s presence is also considered important during crucial moments in a child’s development. For example, there have been suggestions for fathers to be involved on important days, such as the first day of school.

“I think the tagline ‘Father Must Be Present’ can have many interpretations. Father must be present at home, or on the first day of school. I think the father simply must be present,” Mohan asserted.

Data from the National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) for West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) shows that around 442,000 children and adolescents, or about 20 percent, experience fatherlessness or grow up without a father figure. The reason is that the childcare process is mostly handed over to mothers, grandfathers, or grandmothers.